American Exports

AMSTERDAM – A pair of Americans were spectators as their clubs met Champions League playoff-round fates, while another pair were in Carling Cup action on Tuesday.

Though named in the provisional squad, Anderlecht midfielder Sacha Kljestan was not dressed as the Mauves were ousted by Serbian outfit Partizan Belgrade on spot kicks.

Down 2-0 and 4-2 on aggregate after 53 minutes, the home side rallied through Romelu Lukaku and Guillaume Gillet strikes to force extra time. They then muffed three penalties to lose the shootout 3-2.

Meanwhile, Braga reserve defender Gale Agbossoumonde saw his side move on to the group stage after a stirring 4-3 victory at Sevilla.

Having held a 1-0 edge after the home leg, Braga received a second-half hat trick from substitute Lima to book passage from a match that saw each team score twice over the final six minutes.

In Carling Cup second-round play, Jonathan Spector worked an active 90 minutes from left back as West Ham United advanced past pesky League Two visitors Oxford United on Scott Parker's last-gasp winner.

The US defender made a bid to score on 20 minutes, but saw his 30-yard rocket deflected away by the 'keeper.

Elsewhere, Stuart Holden came on for the final 34 minutes to help Bolton Wanderers escape League One hosts Southampton with a 1-0 victory.

The draw for the third round of the Carling Cup will take place on Saturday.